Inklingo

How to Say "come on!" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “come on!” is “ánimo” — use 'ánimo' to cheer someone up or motivate them to continue, especially after a setback or when facing a challenge.

ánimoA1

Use 'ánimo' to cheer someone up or motivate them to continue, especially after a setback or when facing a challenge.

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anda🔊A2

Use 'anda' to express surprise, mild disbelief, or to gently hurry someone along, often with a touch of impatience.

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dale🔊A2

Use 'dale' as a general encouragement to push forward, give something a try, or keep going.

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hombre🔊A2

Use 'hombre' to express surprise or encouragement, often in a friendly, familiar way.

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arriba🔊A2

Use 'arriba' specifically to rally a group or team, encouraging them to perform better or keep their spirits up.

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va🔊B1

Use 'va' to agree to a suggestion or to encourage someone to proceed, similar to 'okay' or 'go ahead'.

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ya🔊B1

Use 'ya' in phrases like '¡Basta ya!' to express impatience and urge someone to stop or finish something quickly.

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fuerza🔊B1

Use 'fuerza' to offer strong encouragement, wishing someone strength and resilience, particularly in difficult situations.

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darle🔊B2

Use 'darle' as an exclamation to strongly encourage someone to take action or pursue something they desire.

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English → Spanish

ánimo

interjectionA1general
Use 'ánimo' to cheer someone up or motivate them to continue, especially after a setback or when facing a challenge.

Examples

¡Ánimo! Sé que puedes hacerlo.

Come on! I know you can do it.

anda

an-daˈan.da

interjectionA2general
Use 'anda' to express surprise, mild disbelief, or to gently hurry someone along, often with a touch of impatience.
A cartoon character with wide eyes and a shocked expression, holding their hands close to their chest in surprise.

Examples

¡Anda, no me digas que ya has terminado!

Come on, don't tell me you've already finished!

¡Anda, qué sorpresa verte aquí!

Wow, what a surprise to see you here!

¡Anda, no te creo! ¿De verdad ganaste la lotería?

No way, I don't believe you! Did you really win the lottery?

Anda, vamos, que se nos hace tarde.

Come on, let's go, we're running late.

dale

DAH-lehˈda.le

interjectionA2informal
Use 'dale' as a general encouragement to push forward, give something a try, or keep going.
An enthusiastic runner launching forward from a starting position on a track, demonstrating high energy and encouragement.

Examples

¿Quieres ir a la fiesta? ¡Dale!

Do you want to go to the party? Come on!

¿Debería llamarla? —¡Sí, dale!

Should I call her? —Yes, go for it!

¡Vamos, equipo, dale con todo!

Come on, team, give it your all!

DJ, ¡dale!

DJ, hit it!

hombre

OM-brehˈombɾe

interjectionA2informal
Use 'hombre' to express surprise or encouragement, often in a friendly, familiar way.
A person showing friendly surprise, illustrating the use of '¡hombre!' as an exclamation.

Examples

¡Hombre, qué bueno verte!

Come on, it's so good to see you!

¡Hombre, María! ¡Cuánto tiempo sin verte!

Wow, Maria! Long time no see!

¡Claro que sí, hombre! Te ayudo.

Of course, man! I'll help you.

Pero ¡hombre!, ¿por qué no me llamaste?

Come on! Why didn't you call me?

arriba

ah-RREE-bahaˈriβa

interjectionA2general
Use 'arriba' specifically to rally a group or team, encouraging them to perform better or keep their spirits up.
A child with a wide smile, raising both arms high above their head in an enthusiastic cheering gesture.

Examples

¡Arriba, equipo! ¡Falta poco para ganar!

Come on, team! We're close to winning!

¡Arriba, equipo, que podemos ganar!

Come on, team, we can win!

¡Arriba, dormilón! Ya son las diez.

Get up, sleepyhead! It's already ten o'clock.

¡Arriba ese ánimo! Todo va a estar bien.

Cheer up! (Literally: Up with that spirit!) Everything is going to be okay.

va

baba

interjectionB1informal
Use 'va' to agree to a suggestion or to encourage someone to proceed, similar to 'okay' or 'go ahead'.
A person giving a thumbs-up and a nod to a friend, showing agreement or acceptance.

Examples

¿Vamos a la playa? — ¡Va, me parece bien!

Shall we go to the beach? — Come on, sounds good to me!

- ¿Vamos al cine? - ¡Va!

- Shall we go to the movies? - Okay!

¡Venga, va, que llegamos tarde!

Come on, let's go, we're late!

¡Va, no te creo!

Come on, I don't believe you!

ya

yah'ʝa

adverbB1general
Use 'ya' in phrases like '¡Basta ya!' to express impatience and urge someone to stop or finish something quickly.
A large, red exclamation mark glowing slightly, representing emphasis or urgency.

Examples

¡Deja de quejarte ya!

Come on, stop complaining already!

¡Basta ya!

Enough already!

¡Cállate ya!

Be quiet now!

¡Ya, ya, entendí!

Okay, okay, I got it!

fuerza

FWER-sahˈfweɾ.θa

interjectionB1general
Use 'fuerza' to offer strong encouragement, wishing someone strength and resilience, particularly in difficult situations.
An exhausted runner is heavily struggling near a finish line banner, while a cheerful supporter beside the track leans in and enthusiastically raises their hands in encouragement.

Examples

Sé que es duro, ¡fuerza!

I know it's tough, come on!

Sé que el examen es difícil, ¡fuerza!

I know the exam is hard, you can do it!

Me enteré de lo que pasó. Te envío mucha fuerza.

I heard about what happened. Sending you lots of strength (stay strong).

darle

DAR-lehˈdaɾle

verbB2informal
Use 'darle' as an exclamation to strongly encourage someone to take action or pursue something they desire.
A determined character sprinting forward with great speed and enthusiasm.

Examples

Si quieres ese trabajo, ¡dale!

If you want that job, come on!

Si de verdad quieres hacerlo, ¡dale!

If you really want to do it, go for it!

Ya es tarde, tenemos que darle si queremos terminar hoy.

It's already late, we have to get to it if we want to finish today.

¿Vienes con nosotros? ¡Dale, anímate!

Are you coming with us? Come on, cheer up!

Choosing between 'dale' and 'anda'

Learners often confuse 'dale' and 'anda' because both can urge someone forward. Remember that 'dale' is a more direct and general encouragement to 'go for it,' while 'anda' often carries a nuance of mild surprise or impatience.

Related Translations

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